Monday is Deadline to Register to Vote in May 17 Primary

Monday, April 18 is the deadline to register to vote in the May 17 primary, which features local races for seats on public school boards--the primary taxing body for Pennsylvania property owners.

Lehigh and Northampton county Democrats and Republicans will also be choosing their candidates for municipal offices, county commissioner and, in some cases, magisterial district justice and county judge.

Primary elections in Pennsylvania are “closed,” meaning only voters registered in one of the two major parties can cast their ballot for candidates. Voters registered as Independent can only vote on ballot questions or in the case of a special election held in conjunction with the primary.

Pennsylvania residents have until the close of business on April 18 to register to vote, change their political party affiliation or notify voter registration of a change in address.

Lehigh County Voter Registration is located in the county government center, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown, and is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone: 610-782-3194.

The Northampton County Election Office is located at 670 Wolf Ave., Easton, across from the Northampton County Courthouse, and is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: 610-559-3055.

Stay tuned to Patch for candidate profiles and interviews designed to help voters make an informed choice. Send your questions for local candidates to us at Josh.Popichak@patch.com.